Getting To Nursery

Getting to nursery safely without feeling rushed will help you and your child to make the best start. If your child arrives and is calm then they will be able to make the most of the learning experiences at nursery.

Things to consider before your child starts nursery:

• Work out the best route to nursery and think about what mode of transport you will use. You might use public transport, walk, scoot or cycle or go in the car.
• Practice the route several times to work out how long it takes and to see what time you will need to leave the house.
• Practicing will also let you see how your child manages the journey. Is it too far to walk? Would they be better in a buggy or on a scooter? Is the bus noisy or smelly and they find it upsetting?

Sensory Differences and Travel to Nursery

Some children find the journey to nursery stressful because of differences in how they process sensory information. Some children find the noise of a lorry or bus passing too loud. Some get travel sick in the car or on the bus. Some find the smell on the bus overwhelming. Some get overexcited and have a hard time settling down when they get to nursery. It is hard for nursery children to tell you why the journey is stressful for them so you need to work as a detective to work it out and help them to arrive calm and relaxed. You might want to try:

• changing how you get to nursery
• arriving earlier or later so that it is quieter
• having a preferred toy or sensory tool or play a game to help distract them
• using a buggy with the hood up to keep them enclosed or let them wear sunglasses and put their hood up
• having them carry their own bag
• talking to nursery about where and when they enter the building, what they do first and anything you think might help them to settle more easily.

Safety

However you choose to get your child to nursery it is important to think about safety. Make sure your child wears a helmet if scooting or cycling. Make sure they use an appropriate car seat. Below are some links to resources that can help you with this.  

• Road Safety Scotland Learning Zone - The easy way to teach children road safety skills that will last them a lifetime. All the resources, games and activities are fun and engaging, and are aligned with Curriculum for Excellence.
• Police Scotland website has lots of good advice for parents and adults with regards to road safety, child cyclist and children travelling in cars.
• Child Accident Prevention Trust have information about Safety Around Roads and some Cycle Safety information.
• Good Egg Safety have information about In Car Child Safety and Family Cycling.